Avoid the Worst Travel Experiences by Curbing Your Overprotective Tendencies

Avoid the Worst Travel Experiences by Curbing Your Overprotective Tendencies

We tend to think that the worst travel experiences occur because of things beyond our control.  Maybe your flight gets delayed.  Or no arrangements have been made for that wheelchair that the flight staff were supposed to bring for your special needs child.  Maybe you’re going on a tour with a number of other people and the noise levels are just deafening for your autistic child.  These things can happen when you’re traveling.  However, sometimes, the worst travel experiences occur when parents are overprotective.  What do you do in these situations?

Separating.  Sometimes, getting along on a family vacation can be as simple as giving people the privacy that they need.  When you travel with a special needs child, you might assume that you need to keep them in your sights at all times.  However, this can only be frustrating for your child who might prefer to have a separate room and bathroom.  If your living situation at home works for you, then try to recreate it when you’re on vacation.

Giving Space.  Sometimes, children with special needs might get irritated if their parents are hovering over them at all times.  You probably only mean to be protective but protection is not what your child needs at present.  If you’re going with a group, then give your child the chance to interact with other people.  You can keep an eye on him/her from afar but try not to be intrusive.

Being Adventurous.  The whole idea behind going on vacation is having an adventure.  So if you’re constantly concerned about whether your child will be adversely affected by the places you go to see, then this defeats the purpose and can be frustrating for your child.  Of course, you need to be practical.  If your child is in a wheelchair, you need to make sure you go to wheelchair accessible places.  But if your child has ADHD, you don’t need to be constantly concerned about whether s/he is going to get overstimulated.  As long as your child is taking medication and seems to be having a good time, it’s ok to be a little adventurous.

Avoiding Micromanagement.  Some parents are always checking up on their kids, something which has become much easier with the advent of cell phones.  You don’t even have to call your child; you can just text.  However, texting your child every half an hour will prevent them from getting engrossed in what they’re doing.  So try not to do it unless it’s really necessary.

Contact us for more great tips to help your special needs child have a good time on vacation.

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